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You Got a Freelance Writing Assignment! Now What?

Carol Tice

You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect article pitch letter—and it landed you a freelance writing assignment! Congratulations.

Here are five basic steps to take your freelance writing assignment through to successful completion.

Now you’ve got to deliver the goods. What do you do next?

Get specifics

You received a “yes” from the editor. That means they like what you’ve done so far, and they want more.

Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics. How many words does the editor want? What angle does the editor want you to take? Was there something specific in your pitch they want you to focus on? Anything in the pitch they want to know more about?

You’re a writer, not a mind reader. Your editor would rather answer questions before you get started then request a ton of rewrites after you turn your article in.

Be sure to verify the deadline, too. You’ll want to turn your work in on time.

Sign a contract

As soon as you see the “yes,” get a contract—that’s the surefire way to make sure you’ll get paid.

Ask about the terms, negotiate if you need to, and get it in writing.

Find out whether you’ll be paid on acceptance or on publication and if you need to submit an invoice.

Don’t forget to ask about the “kill fee.” That’s the amount you’d get paid if you do all the work, turn in the assignment, and they decide not to use it.

Remember, editors expect professional writers to ask about contract terms. You’re a pro. Ask.

A man celebrating his first freelance writing assignment. He is sitting at a laptop and holding paper in both hands.

Get to work

Once you know what the editor wants, you can get started. Find your sources. Complete the interviews. Do any additional research you might need, such as finding a recent study or statistic.

Then, write the piece.

Give yourself time to write it, review it, and rewrite it. Check your spelling and grammar. Send it in. Include your invoice so your editor can get the payment process started.

Rewrite as requested

If the editor asks for rewrites, be sure to clarify what they want. Once you know how to proceed, write your revisions and turn them in.

Keep marketing

While you wait to see your byline in print, you can send more pitch letters to new editors. You can also ask the editor you just wrote for whether or not she has any other stories you could write for her publication. Or just send her a new story idea.

It’s a good idea to always be marketing yourself and your writing. Congratulations, again—and good work!

Amanda Page is a freelance writer and instructor in Columbus, Ohio.

How to Make Money Writing: 113 Grow-Big Actions to Earn More

How to Make Money Writing: 113 Grow-Big Actions to Earn More

Long ago, I came up with a list of ways working freelancers can grow their writing income. If you’ve been wondering how to make money writing—serious money, that is—this list is for you. If you’re a newbie, you’ll find plenty of useful suggestions here, too.

Fire Up Your First Draft: 10 Time-Saving Ways to Boost Writing Speed

Fire Up Your First Draft: 10 Time-Saving Ways to Boost Writing Speed

The Blazing-Fast Way to Boost Writing Speed. Makealivingwriting.com

Are you struggling to boost your writing speed?

You’re not alone. Cranking out a first draft is agony for many freelance writers. It can kill your productivity and suck the joy out of your work. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I used to hate first drafts, too. I could sweat for hours over one paragraph. Hours! My writing speed was so terrible, I even quit freelance writing for a while. Don’t do that, OK?

When I came back to freelance writing after a long break, I had a new attitude-and a new skill set. I learned how to triple my writing speed. I’m happier, I’m a better writer, and I make more money in less time.

No matter how slow, scared, and perfectionistic you are, you can light up your first-draft writing speed.

It’s not a mysterious, magical gift. It’s a skill, just like knowing where to put the commas or how to pitch an editor. And the better you get at it, the more you can earn.

Ready to fire up your first-draft writing speed? Check out these ten tips to write faster.